Access Calhoun County Dissolution of Marriage
Dissolution of marriage records in Calhoun County are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Anniston. The 7th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases filed here. Calhoun County shares its judicial circuit with Cleburne County. The clerk office keeps all divorce filings, case files, and final decrees for public access.
Calhoun County Quick Facts
Calhoun County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk in Calhoun County keeps all dissolution of marriage records. This office handles new filings, stores case files, and provides copies of divorce decrees. The clerk office is at 1702 Noble Street in Anniston. Staff can help you search for records and get copies.
Calhoun County is one of the larger counties in northeast Alabama. The county seat of Anniston is about 60 miles east of Birmingham along Interstate 20. Oxford and Jacksonville are also in Calhoun County. When you file for divorce, you use the county where you or your spouse lives. If that is Calhoun County, your case goes to the 7th Circuit Court.
The 7th Judicial Circuit includes Calhoun and Cleburne counties. Multiple judges serve this circuit due to the larger caseload. The Circuit Clerk in Calhoun County handles all local filings. The courthouse in Anniston is a busy place with many family law cases each year.
| Office | Calhoun County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1702 Noble Street, Suite 102 Anniston, AL 36201 |
| Phone | (256) 231-1750 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | calhoun.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Calhoun County Dissolution of Marriage Records
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Calhoun County online or in person. The state court system has an online database. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies right away.
Alacourt is the state court records database. It covers all 67 Alabama counties including Calhoun. You can search by name or case number. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Additional cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Calhoun County dissolution of marriage records.
To search dissolution of marriage records in Calhoun County, you need:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if you have it
You can also visit the clerk office in Anniston. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring a valid ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Older records may take longer to find. Call ahead at (256) 231-1750 to check what you need for dissolution of marriage records in Calhoun County.
Calhoun County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Calhoun County sets fees for divorce filings and record copies. The cost to file depends on the type of case. Fees can change. Call the clerk to check current rates before you file for dissolution of marriage in Calhoun County.
Common fees in Calhoun County include:
- File a divorce complaint: $145 - $199
- Modify or enforce a decree: $248+
- Certified copies: varies by page count
- Plain copies: $0.50 - $1.00 per page
If you have low income, you may ask for a fee waiver. File an In Forma Pauperis form with the court. You must show proof of your income. The judge reviews your request. If approved, you can file without paying the fee. Copy fees are usually separate.
The Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15 for a divorce certificate. Extra copies cost $6 each. This is separate from court fees. Certificates show basic facts only. For the full decree with all terms, you need copies from the Circuit Clerk in Calhoun County.
How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Calhoun County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Calhoun County follows Alabama state law. Each step creates records that become part of the case file. The Circuit Clerk keeps all these documents at the courthouse in Anniston.
First, you must meet the residency rule. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-5, at least one spouse must have lived in Alabama for six months before filing. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives. If you live in Calhoun County, you file here.
You file the complaint at the Circuit Clerk office. Pay the filing fee at this time. The clerk gives you a case number. Next, serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the court file.
Alabama has a 30-day waiting period. Under Code of Alabama Section 30-2-8.1, the court cannot sign the final decree until 30 days pass. The final decree ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Calhoun County.
What Calhoun County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
Dissolution of marriage records in Calhoun County include several types of documents. The complaint is the first document filed. It states the grounds for divorce. Code of Alabama Section 30-2-1 lists ten grounds including no-fault options.
The final divorce decree is what most people need. This is the judge's order that ends the marriage. It contains all the terms: property division, custody arrangements, support amounts, and more. You can get certified copies from the Circuit Clerk in Calhoun County.
A dissolution of marriage record typically shows:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date of marriage and separation
- Grounds for divorce
- Property and debt division
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support amounts
- Alimony if ordered
Calhoun County dissolution of marriage records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Anyone can ask to see them. Some details about children or finances may be redacted to protect privacy.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Calhoun County
Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Calhoun County. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505. They have an office that serves the Anniston area.
The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. The first meeting costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. Calhoun County has many family law attorneys who handle divorce cases.
Alabama E-Forms at eforms.alacourt.gov has all the court forms you need to file. Alabama Legal Help at alabamalegalhelp.org has step-by-step guides for people filing without a lawyer. The site helps you fill out forms for dissolution of marriage in Calhoun County.
Divorce Certificates in Calhoun County
The Alabama Department of Public Health issues divorce certificates. A certificate is not the same as a decree. It shows only basic facts: names, date, and county. The health department has certificates for divorces from 1950 to now.
You can order a certificate through VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888. The fee is $15 for one certified copy. Extra copies cost $6 each. VitalChek adds a service fee.
For the full divorce decree with property terms, custody orders, and support amounts, go to the Circuit Clerk in Calhoun County. Most legal matters need the decree, not just a certificate.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Calhoun County or share the 7th Judicial Circuit. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where you live.